Suck It Up!

This was my first official week of summer vacation!  I didn't exactly hit the training as hard as I would like.  I did get my usual training in, but that's about it.  I joined a new masters swim program, the Wetcats.  I would love to say that I'm so excited about it, and that I LOVED the swimming I did with them this week.   Honestly, the swims were fine, the coach seems pretty good, and the other swimmers were nice,but I like swimming with my fellow North Texas Multisport people.  Also, the Wetcats swim for an hour at a time, and I'm used to practices that last 90 minutes. This is just one of those times when I have to suck it up and do what I have to do.  I'm saving money by swimming with the Wetcats, and I have more opportunities to swim during the week, which gives me more flexibility in my training.  The practices are also closer so I'm saving on the gas.  This really is the best move.

Another "suck it up" situation is realizing that I really need to hire a coach.  While I would love to use that money in other ways, the truth is I really need someone to tell me what to do each week and hold me accountable.  I need someone to tell me "Suck it up," when I really don't feel like doing it. My goal is to have a coach lined up within the next few days.  Luckily, there are lots of great coaches around.  I knew when I signed up for the half Ironman that sacrifices would have to be made.  No pedicures this summer...suck it up!  Cooking more and eating out less...suck it up!  Cutting my own grass...suck it up!  Driving my car that is paid off instead of getting a new one...suck it up!  Early morning workouts...suck it up!

Sometimes those "suck it up" situations turn out to be pretty great.  Last year I did not have a good ride at the Collin County Classic rally, so when it came around this year I wasn't interested in participating.  Well, my usual Saturday ride was canceled due to the CCC ride, sooooo I had no choice but to do it. I ended up doing the 60 mile route.  It turned out to be a pretty good ride.  There were several groups of NTM riders out there, so there were plenty of people to  ride with. For a little while I actually got ahead of the group I was with....that never happens.  I was feeling pretty good so I just kept going.  I figured it was good training for Austin.  In races you don't get to ride with your friends;  you ride alone.  It wasn't long before I found my way with one of the groups again.  I had a strong finish and had a much better ride than last year.  The hills seemed smaller this year....hmmm.  Even though I am not where I want to be, I have come a long way over the past year.  So, what started out as a "suck it up" day, turned into a pretty good bike ride.  Now, I just have to ride like I did today AND be able to run 13.1 miles after. 

"The will to win means nothing if you haven't the will to prepare."   - Juma Ikangaa, 1989 NYC Marathon winner.